The Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame is located at the Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia, and previous inductees include John Adams, Clarence Darrow, Fred Levin, Morris Dees, Fred Gary, and many others. Only three individuals are inducted every year, and Mike Papantonio will be joined by fellow inductees Lisa Blue and Chris Searcy at the ceremony.

While most Ring of Fire regulars are familiar with Pap’s work in the media, his legal career has been equally impressive.

Papantonio, referred to as “America’s Lawyer” by national media outlets, is a senior partner at Levin Papantonio, one of the largest plaintiffs’ law firms in America. He has worked on behalf of victims of corporate corruption for decades, trying cases against corporate giants like British Petroleum (BP), tobacco companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, DuPont, and advocating for plaintiffs on cases involving everything from factory farming, asbestos, and securities fraud.

Over the past 30 years, Papantonio has been a leader in complex case strategy, helping to secure more than $10 billion in total jury verdicts and settlements.

Pap has received numerous awards for his trial work and advocacy, including the prestigious Perry Nichols Award. In 2008, the Public Justice Foundation placed him as a finalist as Trial Lawyer of the Year for the nation. In 2014 he received the inaugural Award for Social Justice from the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Center of Temple University Beasley School of Law.

Described as an unapologetic powerhouse political pundit, Pap launched Ring of Fire along with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Sam Seder in 2004, to help bring national attention to the rampant corruption of corporations that prey on American consumers. This media outlet has grown into a nationally syndicated radio show, a hugely popular television show, and a news website that all help tell the stories of the victims of corporate crime and greed.

All of us at Ring of Fire want to offer our congratulations to Pap, and it is truly an honor to be a part of his team and to help fight the good fight with him.

Farron Cousins is the executive editor of The Trial Lawyer magazine and a contributing writer at DeSmogBlog.com. He is the co-host / guest host for Ring of Fire Radio. His writings have appeared on Alternet, Truthout, and The Huffington Post. Farron received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of West Florida in 2005 and became a member of American MENSA in 2009. Follow him on Twitter @farronbalanced